Meaker makes court appearance

Wednesday

Feb 6, 2013 at 2:45 PM

By Scott Brand

With the defendant and the public defender obviously having different game plans for Tuesday’s teleconference, Judge James Lambros of the 50th Circuit Court declined to make any ruling during the court appearance, saying he needed more information before proceeding.

Timothy L. Meaker, 62, is facing a murder charge in the death of his cellmate, 65-year-old Thomas C. Taborelli who was beaten to death in August of 2012 while both men were incarcerated at the Chippewa Correctional Facility.

Meaker, who was sentenced to life in prison after a Wayne County Court found him guilty of first-degree murder in the late 1970s, appeared eager to put that matter behind him.

“I asked my attorney not to file these motions,” Meaker told the court through a television screen. “I don’t want either motion to be heard today; I just want to be sentenced.”

Meaker issued his statement after Chippewa County Assistant Public Defender Jennifer France made motions to withdraw his earlier plea. France made the argument that her client was not competent to make the decision to plead guilty.

“It’s not just that he thinks he is crazy or says he is crazy,” she argued for erring on the side of caution, “there is documentation on file.”

Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney said there was little or no substance to either motion.

Meaker explained he was opposed to any additional arguments on his behalf as it would apparently entail a long day and a meeting with a psychiatrist if France was successful in convincing the court to hear her arguments. He seemingly admitted guilt, describing the incident as a fight that got out of hand with the victim dying from his wounds.

Lambros said he would withhold judgement for at least 14 days, giving him the opportunity to read the case transcript compiled in the 91st District Court and to review prison documents currently in France’s possession that she indicated would bolster her case.

“You need to consult with your attorney,” Lambros concluded. “You two need to be on the same page.”